The 9.77-acre property includes 600 feet of undisturbed shoreline along Lake Washington and has significant ecological and recreational value. The property had potential for development of private, residential lakefront homes, when Daniels approached the owner, offering to purchase the land. The land will add forest habitat and trail continuity at the park.

The transfer of the property to State Parks is part of Daniels’ 62-year lease of the historic Saint Edward Seminary building. Daniels’ plan is to preserve the iconic historic building and adapt it for modern use as an 82-room lodge with multiple public amenities. As part of the agreement, Daniels will develop space on site for an environmental education and research center.

“State Parks is very excited to be moving forward on the rehabilitation of the Seminary,” said Don Hoch, agency director. “We are confident that the new use will be very popular, especially in the beautiful natural setting at Saint Edward.”

“Our mission is to create places that help communities thrive,” said Kevin Daniels, president of Daniels Real Estate. “We are very excited to be working on the preservation and reuse of one of our state’s most iconic buildings in a park setting. The Washington State Parks Commission made sure that our agreement meets the State Parks historic preservation mission. I also want to thank the McDonald family for working with us so we could add this land to the park for all to enjoy.”

For years, Washington State Parks explored ways to save the historic Saint Edward Seminary Building. In 2013, Parks looked into public-private partnerships and in 2014, embarked on a public planning process to consider all management options. Daniels and Parks signed a lease for the seminary and its development as a lodge in January 2017.

Preservation work on the building has begun. The lodge is anticipated to open in 2020. For more information on the lodge, visit: www.Thelodgeatstedward.com.

About Washington State Parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.